After meetings between Cubs owner Tom Ricketts and Hall of Fame general manager Pat Gilick were made public last Wednesday, it now seems the Chicago Cubs may have finally come to the realization, many concluded long ago.

This realization, that the Cubs must begin a rebuilding process, may be a deciding factor in the trade of Aramis Ramirez.

After a slow start, which saw the Cubs third baseman finish with two homeruns and 19 RBI's through the first two months of the season, Ramirez has become one of the hottest hitters in baseball and has had GM Jim Hendry speaking openly about thoughts of keeping Ramirez past the 2011 season.

But, with signs pointing to the departure of the bloated one, it seems the Cubs may finally be joining the rest of us in baseball sanity.

With Ramirez's stock as high as it could be, a lack of power hitters available on the trade market and a $16 million option for next year, the Cubs would be wise to coax the former All-Star into waving his no trade-clause.

Here's five teams that will be interested in the services of Aramis Ramirez

5. Pittsburgh Pirates

In a strange change of fates the Pittsburgh Pirates may pillage the major league roster of the Chicago Cubs, in return for minor league prospects.

Back in 2003, when Cubs fans were busy being "Trusty in Dusty", the Cubs pulled of a trade deadline deal for a young, power hitting, 3rd baseman who could finally fill the hole left by Ron Santo some 40 years prior.

(I really didn't mean to include 2003 and the word "prior" in the same sentence. That really just ruined my day.)

Since that day, Ramirez has been everything the Cubs thought he'd be, helping them to three N.L Central titles, while the Pirates ended up with nothing to show for it.

Now, eight years later, the tables are turned as it's the Pirates who are in a division battle, with a hole at third base, while the Cubs sit in the dweller of baseball respectability.

Bringing Ramirez back to Pittsburgh would be a major addition for a franchise desperate for a winning record and trip to the postseason, for the first time since 1992.

4. Los Angeles Angles of Anaheim

Whether it was finding a replacement to Kendry Morales last year, by the way when is he ever coming back, or this year attempting to find some power at the hot corner, Aramis Ramirez fits in ideally with what the Los Angeles Angles of Anaheim are searching for.

Although, Angels 3rd basemen Ablerto Callaspo and Maicer Izturis have provided a solid batting average and the fourth best on-base percentage in baseball, Ramirez could help add to a team who ranks 20th in home runs and 22nd in RBI's.

Good for 25+ plus home runs and close to 100 RBI's every year, Ramirez could be a strong part of an Angles 2nd half run.

3. Arizona Diamondbacks

Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesAre the Diamondbacks headed back to the playoffs?

One of the surprise teams of 2011 the Arizona Diamondbacks could make a run at the postseason with the acquisition of Aramis Ramirez.

Using a rag-tag group of utility-men to man third base, the Diamondbacks have used two semi-regular players, who have combined for 13 home runs, 56 RBI'S and a .238 batting average over the course of the year.

Compare that to Ramirez's near All-Star numbers and you'll find why the Diamondbacks would be interested.

Getting Ramirez to waive his no-trade clause, could be a difficultly, but with Ramirez almost assured not to pick up his option for next season, if traded, there is no potential cap downfall for the D-Backs.

Already one of baseball's most dominant offenses, the addition of Ramirez could help the Diamondbacks cap off this Cinderella season with its first postseason appearance since 2007.

2. San Francisco Giants

The loss of Giants catcher Buster Posey was a huge blow to the defending World Series champions.

The speculated loss of Aubrey Huff's lucky thong, causing him to forget how to play baseball, hasn't helped matters either.

Its been a trying season offensively for the Giants, as they've been outscored by every team in baseball, outside of fellow west coast cohorts the Oakland A's, Seattle Mariners, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres.

But, in true Giants fashion, the law firm of Lincecum, Cain & Vogelsong has propelled the Giants to a N.L West leading 59-43 record and an inside track back to the postseason.

If the Giants are to reach the postseason, the playoff tested bat of Aramis Ramirez could be the major difference between being repeat World Series champions or playoff also-rans.

In acquiring Ramirez, the Giants could move Pablo Sandoval to first and remove the "thonged" one, and his .240 batting average, from their everyday line-up.

1. Atlanta Braves

Marc Serota/Getty ImagesChipper's time may be over

Chipper Jones' run in Atlanta might be coming to an end.

According to reports the Braves have shown interest in Ramirez dating back to last season and with the combination of poor play and injuries from Jones. The Braves may finally be willing to commit to a new everyday third baseman.

Sitting 5 1/2 games out of first in the NL East, but with a 4 1/2-game lead in the wild card race, the Braves' addition of Ramirez would add to an already powerful lineup ranked third in the league in home runs. He would also complement one of the game's best starting rotations.

A Ramirez trade would make the Braves legitimate contenders in the National League.